Acetanilide
Acetanilide
Acetanilide (pronounced as: a-set-a-nil-ide) is an organic compound that was formerly used in medicine for its analgesic and antipyretic properties. It is a white, odorless, crystalline solid substance that is also known as N-phenylacetamide, acetanil, or antifebrin.
Etymology
The term "Acetanilide" is derived from its chemical structure. It is an amide made from acetic acid and aniline. The "-ide" suffix is used in organic chemistry to denote a compound derived from another.
History
Acetanilide was first synthesized in 1852 by the French chemist Charles Gerhardt by acetylation of aniline. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it was used as a fever reducer and pain reliever, but was later replaced by safer and more effective drugs.
Medical Use
Acetanilide was used in the past as an analgesic and antipyretic. However, due to its toxic side effects such as methemoglobinemia, it is no longer used medically. Instead, it is used in the synthesis of other drugs, such as paracetamol.
Synthesis
Acetanilide can be synthesized by reacting acetic anhydride with aniline in a process known as acetylation. The reaction produces acetanilide and acetic acid as a byproduct.
Related Terms
- Aniline: An organic compound used in the synthesis of acetanilide.
- Acetic anhydride: A reagent used in the synthesis of acetanilide.
- Methemoglobinemia: A condition caused by excessive consumption of acetanilide.
- Paracetamol: A drug synthesized from acetanilide.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Acetanilide
- Wikipedia's article - Acetanilide
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